Respironics ProfileLite Nasal Mask

[Oliver]

Hi guys and gals,

I know masks are very subjective, but i wonder if anyone else has some experience of the ProfileLite ?
I`ve just bought one and so far (one night)! I have to say i`m impressed. My F&P 704 is comfortable and not very leaky, but the Respironics mask didn`t seem to leak at all last night. I haven`t customised it yet by boiling it, i don`t think i will as it seems to fit so well. I think i`ll be using this mask a lot from now on.

Regards

Oliver

PS i`ve just experienced my first `cold` whilst on CPAP. It complicates things a bit !!

[paulcoyston]

Nice to see your getting on with your profile lite,this was my first mask which was selected at my sleep over at papworth ,i just couldn't get used to it i had three pressure sores top and bottom of nose plus forehead if i adjusted the straps it leaked it just wasn't for me,your point about putting in hot water is something that was never suggested and as i didnt have any instructions i didnt know it was possible,have you got any directions as to how this done maybe mine will fit better paul

[PIPKIN]

regarding your cold and cpap if you have a humidifier place 1-2 drops of olbas oil in water ,wow it works a treat you will wake up with a clear nose in the morning.

[michelle]

I am really struggling with my mask. I am now on the 4th one and have been told there are no more to try. I find this hard to believe as I have just read about your Profilelite.I have had a Comfort gel full face mask, Nasal cushion, comfort nasal mask medium and small. I have now been refferred back to my consultant to see what else can be done, which means coming off CPAP, and am really worried about this. I hve been told I have mild OSA, I stop breathing 14 times an hour and the pressure on my CPAP is 16.8. Can anyone help? It's been 3 months of hell! michelle

[Tigers Fan]

Self-help

Hi Michelle

You are right - there are umpteen types of mask available - just maybe not via the NHS!

Why not call ResMed (0800 917 7071), Respironics (0800 1300 845) or Intus (0870 744 68110 to talk about your problem and see what they have to advise and/or offer.

Many of us have bought our masks privately in order to get one that suits. I appreciate that they are expensive - but compared to a good night's sleep and with Xmas round the corner?

Tigers Fan

[Tigers Fan]

A cold on CPAP

Hi Oliver and Pipkin

What is the deal with a cold when you are on CPAP?

I use Olbas Oil (drops on a tissue by the CPAP intake filter) every night to clear my sinuses. Fantastic difference! I've had a flu jab.

But when the inevitable happens - how on earth do you cope with a runny nose shut inside a full face mask? In my imagination, this has to make rain-out look like a picnic in the park!

I'm a little anxious about this, to say the least!

Tigers Fan

[James @ Intus]

I am really struggling with my mask. I am now on the 4th one and have been told there are no more to try. I find this hard to believe as I have just read about your Profilelite.I have had a Comfort gel full face mask, Nasal cushion, comfort nasal mask medium and small. I have now been refferred back to my consultant to see what else can be done, which means coming off CPAP, and am really worried about this. I hve been told I have mild OSA, I stop breathing 14 times an hour and the pressure on my CPAP is 16.8. Can anyone help? It's been 3 months of hell! michelle

Hi Michelle,

There are enough masks, makes and models to have a different one every night of the year! Most sleep clinics will be limited to the range of the one supplier they chose as their provider. To cut cost, get better deals, they'll buy bulk of the most popular ones and limit the range. So that's why they probably ran out for you. But that doesn't mean that's it, just that there's no more freebie ones to try for the time being (unless you can get access to another sleep clinic).

You can buy and get more choice in the UK here and here.

Your pressure is quite high and will make using any type of mask more of a challenge. How did they arrive at this value of 16.8? Was it off the back of a trial?

[michelle]

Thank you James and Tigers fan for your support and advice. The 16 reading came off my CPAP. It's now at 18 (90%). Used to be 12. I have had a really bad week and wonder if I would be better off not using CPAP and revert to all the horrors pre CPAP. I fill up with air every night, I sometimes wonder how I am not floating on the ceiling! The air from the leaking mask is freezing and spits at me all night! Humidifier only on 2.... Buying a mask is not an option for me. I have no funds or savings. I have an appointment with my consultant on the 19th Nov. so I will struggle till then, keep your fingers crossed. Michelle

[James @ Intus]

Judging by your pressure needs and weight comments in combination with the filling up with air situation, it sounds like you may want to discuss Bi-PAP therapy with your consultant. With the specific exhalation pressure being lower, this may be a lot more comfortable for you.